Roller spring adjusting means



Nov. 10, 1936. P. H. KUYPER ROLLER SPRING ADJUSTING MEANS Filed May 21, 1935 fez er Adam Patented Nov. 10, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Peter H. Kuyper, Pella, Iowa, assignor to Rolscreen Company, Pella, Iowa, a corporation of Iowa Application May 21, 1935, Serial No. 22,568

18 Claims.

An object of my invention is to provide a spring adjusting means for the spring of a roller, said roller being provided for a rolled screen, curtain or the like, and the adjusting means being comparatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

A further object is to provide an adjusting means for a. rolling window screen or the like for adjusting the tension of the wind-up spring on the screen roller, the adjusting means being operable from the exterior of a casing in which the roller spring and adjusting means are located by the use of a screw driver or other tool projected through an opening in the casing and coacting with the adjusting means.

Still a, further object is to so design the adjusting means that it can float with a floating mounting for the roller, such as disclosed in the Dixson patent, No. 1,678,590, of July 24, 1928.

More particularly, it is my object to provide a roller spring adjusting means, including a worm and worm gear connection, which connection is floatingly mounted, yet provided with means to prevent rotation of the mounting relative to the roller casing, so as to secure the desired rotation of a member relative to the casing, and to which member one end of the wind-up spring is connected.

Still another object is to provide a special tool for use in connection with my adjusting means, which can coact therewith in such manner as to remain in coaction without accidental disengagement of the tool relative to the adjusting means during the adjusting operation.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of my roller spring adjusting means, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is an end elevation of a spring roller assembly illustrating my adjusting means applied thereto.

Figure 2 is a vertical, sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view on the line 3--3 of Figure 1, omitting the major part of the roller casing.

Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line 44 of Figure 2, showing the connection of one end of the spring with the roller.

Figure 5 is an enlarged, sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 2, showing the connection of the other end of the spring with an adjusting sleeve therefor.

Figure 6 is a sectional view on the line 6-6 of Figure 3, showing a worm and worm gear connection in the adjusting means.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a clip used in connection with the adjusting means.

Figure 8 is a side elevation partly in section, of a special tool used in connection with the adjusting means for operating it.

Figure 9 is a sectional view somewhat similar to Figure 2 showing a modified construction; and

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing said modified construction.

In the accompanying drawing, I have used the reference character A to indicate generally a roller casing, the reference character B, a roller, and the character C, a roller spring. These parts have been in commercial use for some time and in a broad sense are illustrated in the Dixson patent above referred to.

The casing A comprises a bottom wall II], a top wall I2, a front wall I4 and a rear wall I6. The casing also has end walls I8 and 20, provided with flanges 22 secured to the walls I0, I2, I4 and I6, thus forming a complete casing or housing for the roller B, with the exception of a screen slot at 24.

Within the casing A, a roller shaft 26 is journaled and floatingly mounted in slots 28 of the end walls I8 and 20, the left end of the shaft being reduced in diameter as at 26a in Figure 3, and enclosed in a sleeve 30, which extends through the slot 28 in the end wall I8.

The roller B consists of a tube 32, having a ball bearing assembly 34 in each end thereof, the left assembly being mounted on the sleeve 3|] and the right one on the shaft 26.

The shaft 26 is prevented from rotating, yet is floatingly mounted by means of key pins 36 and 38, projected through perforations 46 and 42 in the right end of the shaft 26 and in its reduced end 2611. respectively. The key pins 36 and 38 have angular extensions 44, extending through spaces 46 (see Figure 1), one at one corner of each end plate I8 and 20.

The slots 28 are formed on a radius from the space 46.

The key pin 38 instead of extending straight through the shaft portion 260., as does the pin 36, has an angular extension 48, extending through the shaft for the purpose of preventing interference of the key pin with a worm gear, which will be described later.

Within the roller tube 32, the spring C has a hooked end at 50 engaging in a slot 52 of the roller tube, and its opposite end is hooked, as at 54, to engage in a slot 56 in the sleeve 30.

On the sleeve 30, I provide a worm gear 58, having a lug 60 engaging in the slot 56, so that the worm gear is slidable but non-rotatable relative to the sleeve. A worm 62 coacts with the teeth of the worm gear 58 for rotating the worm gear, and thus the sleeve 30 for adjusting the left end of the spring 0 relative to the casing A, thus increasing or decreasing the winding tension thereof, on the roller B, as desired.

For journaling the worm 62, yet permitting it to float, I provide a, U-shaped clip D, best shown in Figure 7, comprising a sheet of metal stamped out and formed to provide a plate portion 64, bearing portions 66, a second plate portion 68, and a hook 10. The plate portions 64 and 68 are perforated as indicated at '12 to receive the sleeve 30.

The clip D straddles the worm gear 58, the plate portions 64 and 68 lying adjacent opposite sides thereof. The bearing portions 66 are adapted to rotatably receive spindle portions 14 of the worm 62, and properly mesh the worm with the worm gear 58. The bearing portions 66 are oiTset so that the plate portion 64 of the clip D can lie adjacent the end wall l8 of the casing A, without the periphery of the worm gear rubbing thereagainst.

The hook portion 10 is adapted to engage the key pin 38 to thus prevent rotation of the clip D relative to the casing A, yet permit the clip to float with the roller assembly. It may be here mentioned that this floating feature is desirable in order to permit the screen 16, which has its inner end secured to the roller tube 32 to extend substantially vertically through the screen slot 24, the roller B shifting downwardly toward the left in Figure 4, as the screen is unwound. Such is the purpose of the floating mounting in the Dixson patent, above mentioned, and I have designed my adjusting means to operate, yet permit such floating of the roller. A binder bar 18 is also illustrated in Figure '7, this being usually provided on the lower edge of the screen 16.

The worm spindle I4 is provided with a head 88, having a slot 82. The slot 82 is adapted for a screw driver 84 to coact therewith. It is obvious, of course, that other types of tools may be used, the head being formed accordingly.

I preferably provide a special type of screw driver having a socket 86 to receive the head during the adjusting operation, so that the blade of the screw driver can not accidentally disengage the slot 82.

The casing A is provided with an opening at 88, through which the screw driver 84 may be projected for coaction with the head 80, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 1. Upon such coaction, the screw driver may be rotated, for rotating the worm, and in turn the worm gear, the sleeve 30, and the left end of the spring C. Depending upon whether the screw driver is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the spring C will be tightened or loosened, thus increasing or decreasing its tension relative to the roller B.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that I have provided a simple adjusting means, which is self-locking and so designed that it can float with a fioatingly mounted roller for screens or the like. The parts 58 and 10 can be formed of stampings, while the parts 30 and 62 are adapted for being formed on automat c sc w machines.

Figures 1 to 7 illustrate a construction especially designed for a floating type of roller. My invention can be applied to non-floating types as well. Such a type is shown in Figures 9 and 10, wherein parts similar to those already described have the same reference numerals with the addition of a.

The connecting elements between the spring C and the worm gear 58a in this case consists of a solid shaft rather than a sleeve. It extends rotatably through a tubular bearing 34a, a non-tubular bearing being shown at 34b. The roller 32a rotates on the bearings 34a and 34b. The bearings are directly secured to the casing ends I 8a and 20a.

For rotating the gear 50a, I show a worm 52a, which may be journaled in bearings 66a, also stationary relative to the casing and I8a instead of being floatingly mounted. The casing is then provided with an opening 88a through which access may be had to the spindle 14a of the worm gear. The spindle may be located either inside the recess in the end of the casing as shown in Figure 1 or outside of the casing as shown in Figure 10, as desired.

Other types of gearing arrangements can be provided if desired, although I find a worm and worm gear the most practical way because it is self-locking. The gearing arrangement is preier ably located Within a recess within the end of the casing or housing instead of being mounted beyond the end of the housing, where it would be necessary to cut a recess into the side jamb of the window frame in order to accommodate it.

Some changes may be made in the arrangement and construction of the various parts of my roller spring adjusting means, without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims, any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents, which may be reasonably included Within their scope.

I claim as my invention:

1. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled in said casing, and a spring connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a sleeve on said roller shaft, said spring being connected therewith, said sleeve being rotatable, a worm gear on said sleeve for rotating it, a U-shaped clip straddling said gear and having a pair of bearings, a worm having a spindle journaled in said pair of bearings, a slotted head on said spindle with which a screw driver may coact for rotating said worm and thereby adjusting said spring, and means to prevent rotation of said clip relative to said casing.

2. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled in said casing, and a spring connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a sleeve on said roller shaft, said spring being connected therewith, said sleeve being rotatable, a worm gear on said sleeve for rotating it, a clip straddling said gear and having a pair of bearings, and a worm having a spindle journaled in said pair of bearings, whereby upon rotation of said Worm, said sleeve and spring will be rotated, and the tension of the spring on the roller thereby adjusted.

3. The combination with a roller shaft sup ported in a casing, a roller journaled in said casing, and a spring connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a sleeve on said roller shaft, said spring being connected therewith, said sleeve being rotatable, a worm gear on said sleeve for rotating it, a clip straddling said gear and having a pair of bearings, a worm having a spindle journaled insaid pair of bearings, and means on said spindle for a tool to coact with, for rotating said worm and thereby adjusting said spring. v

4. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled in said casing, and a spring connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a sleeve on said roller shaft, said spring being connected therewith, said sleeve being rotatable, a worm gear on said sleeve for rotating it, a clip straddling said gear and having a pair of bearings, a worm having a spindle journaled in said pair of bearings, means on said spindle for a tool to coact with for rotating said worm and thereby adjusting said spring, and means to prevent rotation of said clip relative to said casing.

5. The combination with a roller journaled in a casing, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a sleeve extending from the interior of said roller, one end of said spring being connected therewith, said sleeve being rotatable, a worm gear thereon for rotating it, a Worm coacting with said worm gear, and bearing means supporting said worm for rotation to thereby rotate said gear and sleeve and adjust the tension of said spring upon rotation of said worm.

6. The combination with a floatingly mounted roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled in said casing and a spring connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a sleeve on said roller shaft, said spring being connected therewith, said sleeve being rotatable, a worm gear on said sleeve for rotating it, a U-shaped clip straddling said gear and having a pair of bearings, a worm having a spindle journaled in said pair of bearings, a slotted head on said spindle with which a screw driver may coact for rotating said worm and thereby adjusting said spring, and means to prevent rotation of said clip yet permit floating thereof relative to said casing.

7. The combination with a floatingly mounted roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled in said casing, and a spring connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction, of means for adjusting said spring, comprising a sleeve on said roller shaft, said spring being connected therewith, said sleeve being rotatable, a worm gear on said sleeve for rotating it, a clip straddling said gear and having a pair of bearings, a worm having a spindle journaled in said pair of bearings, and means on said spindle for a tool to coact with, for rotating said worm and thereby adjusting said spring, and means to prevent rotation of said clip yet permit floating thereof relative to said casing.

8. The combination with a roller journaled in a casing, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing, of means for adjusting said spring, comprising a sleeve connected with the other end of said spring, and gearing means for rotating said sleeve.

9. The combination with a roller journaled in a casing, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing, of means for adjusting said spring, comprising a sleeve connected with the other end of said spring, and means for rotating said sleeve, said means being provided with a tool engageable portion.

10. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled on said shaft, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a sleeve rotatable on said shaft and connected with the other end of said spring, means comprising a worm and a worm gear for rotating said sleeve, said worm being provided with a a tool engageable portion.

11. The combination with a non-rotatable roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled on said shaft, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a sleeve rotatable on said shaft and connected with the other end of said spring and gearing, means for rotating said connecting element, said gearing means being provided with a tool engageable portion.

12. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled on said shaft, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a connecting element connected with the other end of said spring, and means comprising a worm and a worm gear for rotating said connecting element, said roller shaft being floatingly mounted, a member to float therewith and journal said worm and means to prevent rotation of said member, yet permit floating thereof relative to said casing.

13. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled on said shaft, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a connecting element connected with the other end of said spring, and means comprising a worm and a worm gear for rotating said connecting element, said roller shaft being floatingly mounted, a member to float therewith and journal said worm, and a key pin connected with said shaft to prevent rotation thereof relative to said casing, said member having means engaging said key pin to prevent rtation of said member, yet permit floating thereof relative to said casing.

14. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled on said shaft, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a connecting element connected with the other end of said spring, and means comprising a worm and a worm gear for rotating said connecting element, said roller shaft being floatingly mounted, a member to float therewith and journal said worm, and a key pin connected with said shaft to prevent rotation thereof relative to said casing, said member having a hook for engaging said key pin to prevent rotation of said member, yet permit floating thereof relative to said casing.

15. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled on said shaft, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing, of means for adjusting said spring, comprising a connecting element connected with the the other end of said spring, and means comprising a worm and a worm gear for rotating said connecting element, said worm being provided with a tool engageable portion, said casing having an opening in the wall thereof, through which a tool may be projected for coaction with said tool engaging portion, and a member to journal said worm comprising a plate portion perforated to receive said roller shaft and lying adjacent one end of said roller casing and adjacent one side of said worm gear, a bearing portion for said worm gear, a second plate portion perforated to receive said roller shaft and lying adjacent the other side of said worm gear, and a hook portion, said roller casing having a projection with which said hook portion engages to prevent rotation of said member relative to said casing.

16. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller jcurnaled on said shaft, and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a connecting element connected with the other end of said spring, and manually operable gear means coacting therewith to rotate said connecting element and thereby adjust the tension of said spring on said roller.

1'7. The combination with a floatingly mounted roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller journaled in said casing and a spring connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction, of means for adjusting said spring comprising a sleeve on said roller shaft, said spring being connected therewith, said sleeve being rotatable, a worm gear on said sleeve for rotating it, a bracket for said gear having a pair of bearings, a worm having a spindle jcurnaled in said pair of bearings, and means to prevent rotation of said bracket yet permit floating thereof relative to said casing.

18. The combination with a roller shaft supported in a casing, a roller jcurnaled on said shaft and a spring having one end connected with said roller to constrain it to rotate in one direction relative to said casing of means for adjusting said spring comprising a connecting element connected with the other end of said spring, and manually operable gearing means for rotating said connecting element, said roller shaft being floatingly mounted, a member to float therewith and journal said gearing means and means to prevent rotation of said member yet permit floating thereof relative to said casing.

PETER H. KUYPER. 

